Production Manager

Production Manager – Newtownards

Role Purpose

The Production Manager will oversee the daily running of a production area within a fast-moving food manufacturing environment. This role will manage team leaders, operators and agency staff to ensure production targets, safety standards and quality expectations are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Lead and support production teams across allocated lines to achieve daily outputs.
• Ensure production plans are delivered efficiently and to required quality standards.
• Manage labour allocation, shift performance and KPI delivery.
• Conduct daily line checks to ensure SOPs and standards are followed.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop Team Leaders and operators to build capability.
• Support training, onboarding and skills assessments.
• Manage absence, performance issues and workforce planning.
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork and safety.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, food safety and hygiene standards.
• Work with Technical and Quality teams to resolve issues and maintain standards.
• Conduct investigations and support audit readiness.
• Performance Improvement
• Identify opportunities for efficiency improvement in labour, waste and line performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and implement improved processes.
• Monitor downtime, escalate engineering issues and ensure accurate reporting.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work with Planning, Technical, Engineering and HR to ensure smooth operations.
• Attend daily meetings, contribute to KPI reviews and follow through actions.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
• Strong leadership experience managing production teams.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene and quality standards.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Practical problem-solving abilities and a hands-on leadership approach.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

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